Using mind maps for revision

A mind map is a fantastic visual representation of information. It starts with a core focus and then branches outwards as ideas develop. Because of how the information is laid out, a mind map is a great study aid; while a lot of branches go into deeper considerations, the information is presented simply on the page. This means your brain can absorb and remember it.

For complex subjects, laying out all the themes and concepts in a mind map makes it much easier to make links between ideas and understand the processes involved. Mind maps can be used in all aspects of thinking and revision:

Novels and plays

Mind maps can be a great way to expand the complex structure of characters, plot lines, themes and relationships in English Literature. Colouring coding by character or theme can also help draw connections and develop your understanding.

Mind map within a mind map

It’s mind map-ception! For subjects that have many sub-topics, creating smaller mind-maps beneath an umbrella mind map can help keep the bigger picture as well as going into the detail you need for a full understanding.

Conceiving ideas

When you first come up with an idea, whether it’s a new invention or an idea for a book, it can be hard to visualise the bigger picture. A mind map is brilliant for helping develop sudden flashes of inspiration as you can work outwards from your original concept.

Lecture notes

It’s impossible to write down every word your lecturer speaks, but you still want to absorb all of their knowledge. Writing a lecture note mind map will get down the key ideas and let you draw your own conclusions from your lecturer’s presentation.

Specialist topics

Instead of having a broad core subject, like Biology, go for a specialist topic within the subject to breakdown the concepts and make them easier to manage. This will let you go into more detail while maintaining an overall understanding of where the topic fits in.

Mind maps look best when they’re really colourful and using a lot of different colours can also help your revision – read our blog post here. STABILO’s point 88 and Pen 68 are perfect for mind mapping, with over 30 colours available.